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Exploring the Roots of Religion

Written by: John R. Hale, The Great Courses
Narrated by: John R. Hale
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Publisher's Summary

What impulse drove ancient cultures to create sites like Stonehenge, Machu Picchu, and the pyramids at Giza? Why are we so transfixed by their presence today? And what do they reveal about our ancestors-and humanity?

The dynamic force of religious belief is responsible for some of the world's most popular and ancient locales.With these 36 riveting lectures, you can dig through the earth and learn how sacred buildings, complexes, tomb structures, artwork, and more have provided us with unparalleled knowledge about early spiritual experiences around the world. Using the tools and knowledge of their field, archaeologists can now determine the nature of a sacrificial ritual, compare the visible attributes of ancient deities, and map out the orientation of a temple or tomb.

Professor Hale gives you a comprehensive look at specific religious archaeological sites around the world-inside caves and crypts, through vast deserts and ancient cities, from Polynesia to Mexico to the American Midwest.

Studying these breathtaking sites such as Lascaux Cave, Machu Picchu, and Easter Island, you learn the points of interest that attract the attention of archaeologists and scholars, survey the principal features unearthed during the site's excavation, discover what evidence at the site reveals about the evolution of religion, and more.

By the final lap of your international journey, you'll have developed a new vision of religion and its crucial role in ancient history. You'll become more attuned to spirituality's universal elements and its unique characteristics. And you'll realize just how much credit religion deserves for remarkable sites that continue to captivate us.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2009 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2009 The Great Courses

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An archaeologist explores religion

What a great way to begin exploring religion, through archaeology!
I’m not religious, and abhor organized religion, so the study of religion often leave me cold, yet as a history lover I know I need more grounding in the history of religion. Imagine my delight in finding this lecture series from a favourite archaeologist. John Hale! An absolutely fantastic listen!

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Essential knowledge for the Religious

Whether you are born into a religious culture, or are searching for meaning in one, in order to properly understand any religion you must see it in a broader context. This is where I would recommend you start.

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love this one.

I've listened to this one 3 times now, will listen to it a few more times. Tons of information, very well organized and intensely interesting. The speaker really knows what he's talking about and has a great voice for an audiobook. #Audible1

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